Fluid coupling

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are arrangements for maintaining an annular sealing gasket in some predetermined position intermediate and substantially coaxial with opposed annular sealing beads extending axially from each of a pair of coupling components. One disclosed arrangement comprises a retainer element having an annular end wall and a cylindrical side wall which define a cavity for closely receiving a flat annular gasket. A plurality of axial retaining legs facilitate retainer mounting to one of the coupling members so that the gasket is captured in the retainer cavity substantially coaxial with the one coupling member and with the associated sealing bead engaging one of the gasket faces. In a second arrangement, a plurality of axial retaining legs are formed integrally with the gasket member. The legs are positioned circumferentially about the gasket for engaging the one coupling component coaxial with the associated sealing bead. In a third arrangement, a separate retaining element is provided to hold the gasket member in coaxial position on the coupling component. The retaining element has an annular endwall and a continuous cylindrical sidewall. A split in the sidewall and the end wall allows the retaining element to flex to grip the coupling component. The arrangements accommodate precise positioning of the gasket relative to the coupling components at initial coupling makeup and do not interfere with the coupling components themselves. The disclosed arrangements also advantageously permit precise repositioning of the gasket relative to the component sealing beads during subsequent disassembly and reassembly of the coupling.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This application is a continuation-in-part of commonly assigned,co-pending application Ser. No. 788,050, filed Oct. 16, 1985, now U.S.Pat. No. 4,650,227, which was a continuation-in-part of commonlyassigned application Ser. No. 410,408, filed Aug. 23, 1982, now U.S.Pat. No. 4,552,389, for "Fluid Coupling".

This invention relates to fluid couplings and, more particularly, to atype of coupling suitable for use in both pressure and vacuumapplications.

A wide variety of fluid couplings are available for use with both highand low temperatures and in both high pressure and vacuum environments.One such coupling which has found significant commercial acceptance isdisclosed in the commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 3,521,910 to F. J.Callahan, Jr., et al. In this coupling, a pair of coupling componentsare provided which have fluid passageways extending longitudinallytherethrough. A generally annular rib or sealing bead extends axiallyoutward from the end face of each coupling component in a surroundingrelationship with the associated fluid passageway. The componentsthemselves are adapted to be placed in an end-to-end relationship sothat the sealing beads are disposed in opposed relation to each other. Agenerally annular sealing gasket is interposed between the sealingbeads, and means are advantageously provided for drawing the componentsaxially toward each other in order that the sealing beads will sealinglyengage the opposed faces of the gasket. During assembly or makeup of thecoupling, the sealing beads produce slight indentations in the gasketfaces.

While the foregoing coupling construction has indeed met withsubstantial commercial success and has provided improved couplingcapabilities over a wide range of system and operating parameters, onedifficulty which has been encountered resides in precisely positioningthe annular gasket between the annular sealing beads at initial couplingmakeup and at subsequent reassembly after disassembly. Because of thebasic construction involved, it has been found that the gasket is notalways substantially coaxially disposed with the annular sealing beads.This result may, to some extent, adversely affect the overall sealingresults. Moreover, and while the sealing beads produce only slightindentations in the gasket at coupling makeup, it is necessary toprecisely reposition the gasket when the coupling is disassembled andthen reassembled.

Because of problems encountered in achieving the necessary preciserepositioning, it has heretofore been the practice to simply insert anew gasket each time the coupling was disassembled and then reassembled.While no particularly great expense is involved by replacing thegaskets, it necessarily requires that maintenance personnel, installers,and the like maintain a ready supply of gaskets in various sizes whenworking in the field. Such requirement is considered undesirable formany installations and uses of the coupling.

Accordingly, it has been considered desirable to develop an arrangementwhich would facilitate positive mounting of the gasket relative to thecoupling components and sealing beads in order that precise gasketpositioning would be assured. Moreover, such an arrangement wouldadvantageously facilitate precise repositioning of the gasket atsubsequent disassembly and reassembly of the coupling to eliminate theneed for gasket replacement as per the prior accepted practice.

The subject invention contemplates improved arrangements which overcomethe foregoing needs and others provide an improved coupling constructionwhich accommodates precise location of a sealing gasket between a pairof opposed annular sealing beads in a fluid coupling construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject invention advantageously provides a gasket retainerarrangement which facilitates retention of an annular sealing gasket onone of a pair of coupling components for precisely locating the gasketintermediate a pair of opposed sealing beads in a substantially coaxialrelationship therewith.

More particularly, the subject new arrangement is adapted for use in afluid coupling of the type having first and second generally cylindricalcoupling components which include opposed radial end faces havinggenerally annular sealing beads extending axially therefrom towardeachother and with an annular sealing gasket interposed therebetween.The coupling also includes means for moving the components into aclosely-spaced coaxial relationship so that the sealing beads sealinglyengage the opposed gasket faces. The improvement comprises retainermeans for maintaining the gasket in a predetermined located positionrelative to the end face of one of the coupling components. The retainermeans includes a plurality of retaining legs extending axially outwardlyof the gasket in a direction generally normal thereto. The legs aredisposed in a retaining relationship with the one component at an areathereof spaced rearward from the area of the radial end face.

In one form of the invention, the gasket body itself is disposedintermediate the annular end wall of a separate retainer element and theone component end face. The retainer annular end wall has an insidediameter greater than the outside diameter of the annular sealing beadon the end face of the other of the components. In a second form of theinvention, the legs are formed integrally with the gasket body atcircumferentially spaced locations located a uniform distance radiallyoutwardly of the axis of the gasket body. In both constructions, thegasket body is disposed in a substantially coaxial relationship with thecomponents as they are moved toward a closely-spaced relationship witheach other by the moving means. Also, the retainer means assure that thesealing beads engage substantially the same annular areas of the gasketduring subsequent coupling disassembly and reassambly steps. Inaddition, the retainer means is particularly advantageous when thecoupling is installed in a vertical position or in a position where thecoupling is hard to reach or see. Note that the retainer holds thegasket in position even when the coupling components are disassembled ormounted vertically. Similarly, the gasket does not have to be manuallyheld in place while the coupling components are being assembled.

According to another aspect of the invention, the retainer legseffectively define a coupling component engaging band dimensioned sothat the retainer legs are biased radially outward as the retainer isinstalled on the one component.

According to another form of the invention, the retainer element has acontinuous cylindrical side wall with an interior diameter slightlysmaller than the diameter of the coupling component about the end face.The side wall is split at at least one location to permit the wall todeflect outwardly for receipt on, and gripping of, the couplingcomponent.

The principal object of the invention is the provision of an improvedarrangement for maintaining a sealing gaset in a predetermined desiredposition between a pair of opposed annular sealing beads on cooperatingcoupling components.

Another object of the invention is the provision of such arrangementwhich facilitates reuse of the gasket upon subsequent disassembly andreassembly of the coupling.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a gasketretaining arrangement which does not in any way interfere with or impairthe sealing achieved between opposed sealing components.

Still other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and understanding ofthe following detailed specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may take physical form in certain parts and arrangementsof parts, preferred embodiments of which will be described in greaterdetail of this specification and illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an exploded side elevational view of a fluid coupling whichincorporates the subject invention thereinto;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, exploded cross-sectional view of a portion of thestructural arrangement shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an end view of the gasket retainer used in the FIG. 1embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a partial, further enlarged cross-sectional view of thecoupling of FIG. 1 in the assembled condition.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, exploded cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2but showing a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is an end view of the gasket member used in the FIG. 5embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a partial, enlarged cross-sectional view of the FIG. 5embodiment showing the coupling in the assembled condition;

FIG. 8 is an end view of a modified form of gasket retainer used in asecond embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a view taken on line 9--9 of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 4 but showingthe retainer of FIG. 8 assembled in the coupling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes ofillustrating preferred embodiments of the invention only and not forpurposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 shows a fluid connector or coupling Awhich incorporates the subject invention. The basic construction of thecoupling is known in the art as shown in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No.3,521,910 to F. J. Callahan, et al. The specific teachings of this priorpatent and the coupling construction disclosed thereby are incorporatedherein by reference.

More particularly, and with reference to both FIGS. 1 and 2, connectoror coupling A is comprised of a first coupling component 10, a secondcoupling component 12, a coupling nut 14, a gasket 16, and a gasketretainer 18.

First coupling component 10 includes a suitable fluid passageway 30extending longitudinally therethrough between a radial inner or end face32 and an outer or terminal end 34. While terminal end 34 may includeany convenient means for affixing coupling component 10 to a fluid line,a male or female tube receiving area (not shown) is contemplated in theembodiment here described. However, any other conventional arrangementsuch as threaded connecting means, ferrule-type tube couplings, andother arrangements may also be suitably employed.

An annular, radiused sealing bead or rib 36 extends axially outward fromradial end face 32 in a coaxial relationship with passageway 30 toeffect a sealing relationship with gasket 16 ina manner to be described.A circumferential locating or mounting flange 38 is spaced axially alongfirst coupling component 10 some predetermined distance from end face32. An area 40 having a diameter greater than the outside diameter ofsealing bead 36 is disposed axially between end face 32 and the flange.The reasons and purposes for this configuration will become apparenthereinafter.

Second coupling component 12 includes a fluid passageway 50 extendinglongitudinally thereof between a radial inner or end face 52 and anouter or terminal end 54. An annular, radiused sealing bead 56, which issubstantially identical to bead 36, extends axially outward of radialend face 52 in a coaxial relationship with the passageway 50. As shownin FIG. 1, second coupling component 12 includes a threaded area 58rearwardly adjacent end face 52 for threaded cooperation with nut 14, anintermediate, slightly enlarged hexagonal tool receiving area 60, and athreaded area 62 adjacent outer or terminal end 54. In the embodimentshown, theaded area 62 comprises pipe threads for conveniently securingthe connector to associated or adjacent structure.

It will be readily appreciated, however, that other configurations forsecond coupling component 12 may also be advantageously employed.Moreover, alternative arrangements may be suitably employed in place ofthreaded area 58 for purposes of drawing sealing beads 36, 56 towardeach other into sealing engagement with gasket 16 and in place ofthreaded area 62 for mounting the coupling to associated structure or toa fluid line. One alternative comprises a pair of opposed glands whereineach gland is configured similarly to the one shown as first couplingcomponent 10 in the FIGURES. In this case, a separate male nut isassociated with one gland and a separate female nut is associated withthe other gland. These nuts, in turn, threadably mate with each other todraw the glands into sealing engagement with the gasket. Still otheralternative arrangements include tees, crosses, elbows, unions, and thelike.

Coupling nut 14 comprises an open-ended structure having a forward end70 and a rear end 72 with the interior of the nut being threaded as at74 from the forward toward the rear end. Threads 74 are adapted to matewith threads 58 on second coupling component 12 for drawing components10, 12 toward each other in a manner to be described. A radially inwardextending shoulder 76 is disposed at nut rear end 72 and has a smallerinside diameter than the outside diameter of circumferential flange 38on coupling component 10. Thus, shoulder 76 may act against flange 38 asan engaging and retaining means for the first coupling component as willbe described. A pair of generally opposed lead test ports 78 radiallypenetrate the side wall of the nut for reasons well known in the art.

With particular reference to FIG. 2, gasket 16 comprises an annularmember having generally opposed face areas 86,88. Inside diameter 90 isapproximately the same diameter as component passages 30,50 (FIG. 1) andoutside diameter 92 is preferably slightly larger than the diameter ofportion 40 on the first component 10.

In accordance with the subject invention, and with particular referenceto FIGS. 2 and 3, retainer device 18 is advantageously provided formounting gasket 16 on first component 10 in a precise locationintermediate sealing beads 36,56 when the coupling is assembled. Asshown, retainer 18 is comprised of an annular end wall 100 having agenerally cylindrical side wall 102 extending generally normal theretofor defining a gasket receiving cavity.

Extending outwardly from the outer or free edge of side wall 102 are aplurality of substantially identical retaining legs 104. As shown inFIGS. 2 and 3, the preferred embodiment of the invention contemplatesuse of three equidistantly spaced-apart legs, although a differentnumber or different relative spacing could also be satisfactorilyemployed. Each of retaining legs 104 is formed to include an engagingmeans or area 106 adjacent the outer terminal end thereof. As shown,these engaging means are somewhat U-shaped and conformed so that thebase area of each is disposed radially inward of the associated leg 104.Each of areas 106 has an arcuate conformation thereacross between theopposite side edges of the associated leg 104 so that at least some linecontact is made circumferentially of area 40 when the reatiner isinstalled. It will be appreciated that other forms of engaging means mayalso be satisfactorily employed. For example, generally V-shaped,arcuate shaped, or still other conformations may be used in place of thegenerally U-shape as necessary and/or desired. Such modifications do notin any way depart from the overall intent or scope of the presentinvention.

Retainer 18 may conveniently comprise a stamping or the like formed of asuitable metal. Typically, however, the retainer will be stamped fromstainless steel because this metal is particularly suited for use in awide variety of fluid system environments.

The retainer is constructed to include particular dimensionalcharacteristics. In this regard, and with continued reference to FIGS. 2and 3, the depth of the gasket receiving cavity defined by end wall 100and side wall 102 is such that, at most, it is only slightly greaterthan the thickness of gasket 16. This assures that the gasket will befully received in the cavity for obtaining accurate and consistentlocating results relative to component 10 without physically interferingwith the component. The outside diameter 110 of side wall 102 is, atmost, only slightly greater than the diameter of first component flange38. The inside diameter 112 of the side wall is such that the gasket 16will be fairly closely received in the cavity and thus prevented fromradial movement relative to end face 32. Inside diameter 114 of retainerend wall 100 is at least slightly greater than the outside diameter ofsealing bead 56 so that there is no interference between the retainerend wall and sealing bead. Also, the thickness of end wall 100 is lessthan the axial extension of sealing bead 56 from its associated radialend face 52.

U-shaped engaging means 106 define, in combination with each other, anengaging band or zone. The diameter 116 of this zone is slightly lessthan the diameter of first component portion 40. Still further, thelength of legs 104 is such that when gasket 16 is received in thereceiving cavity of retainer 18 and the retainer is thereafter installedon component 10, the outermost or terminal ends of the legs will bedisposed in a non-contacting relationship with flange 38.

FIG. 4 shows the coupling of FIG. 1 in an assembled condition with theretainer and gasket cooperatively installed therein. At the time ofassembly, the retainer and associated gasket may be installed ontocomponent 10 by radially positioning the assembly generally coaxial withthe component and the axially inserting the retainer thereonto withengaging means 106 frictionally engaging area 40. Because diameter 116(FIG. 3) is less than the diameter of area 40, legs 104 will be urgedradially outward so that a biasing type of retaining force willcontinuously be exerted on surface 40. Because of the close dimensionalrelationships between the gasket and retainer, the gasket is thussubstnatially coaxially mounted on component 10 in a capturedrelationship between retainer end wall 100 and sealing bead 36.

In addition to securing retainer 18 to component 10, the U-shaped orarcuate conformation of engaging means 106 is desirable for otherreasons. First, the radially outward extending nature of the engagingmeans adjacent the ends of the legs renders it somewhat easier toinstall the retainer onto coupling component 10. Second, the arcuateconformation reduces the likelihood of inadvertently contacting sealingbead 36 during retainer installation. Such contact may scratch or marthe sealing bead and adversely affect the sealing relationship withgasket 16.

Coupling nut 14 may then be advanced onto component 12 by means ofthreaded engagement between threaded areas 74,58. Advancement of the nutonto component 12 thus effectively draws components 10, 12 coaxiallytoward each there until sealing beads 36,56 sealingly engage the opposedfaces of gasket 16. Retainer 18 advantageously maintains a coaxiallocation for the gasket with the sealing beads during this fittingmakeup process.

In the particular fitting construction here under discussion, couplingcomponents 10,12 and coupling nut 14 are typically manufactured fromstainless steel. Sealing gasket 16, in turn, is constructed from nickelor the like. In addition, other materials may also be suitably employedfor the coupling components and gasket to achieve desired results in awide variety of different environments. At the time of fitting makeup inthe manner shown by FIG. 4, sealing beads 36,56 will produce slightannular indentations in the opposite faces of the gasket.

Even with such slight indentations, and upon disassembly of the fittingfor maintenance or like purposes, it is necessary to coaxially realignthe gasket with sealing beads 35,56 when the coupling is reassembled. Ifsubstantial realignment is not obtained, undesired fitting leakage couldoccur. Heretofore, a new gasket was inserted into the coupling each timethe coupling was disassembled and then reassembled. The necessity forthis action has been considered undesirable, particularly when workingin the field.

However, by using retainer 18 in the manner described above, gasket 16is always maintained in the preselected position substantially coaxialwith sealing beads 36,56. Even when the coupling is disassembled andlater reassembled, the retainer assures that the gasket is automaticallycoaxially realigned with the annular sealing beads to thereby preventthe potential for coupling leaks due to gasket misalignment. As aresult, the necessity or desirability for installing a new gasket issuccessfully overcome.

The particular spacial relationships described above with reference toFIG. 3 assure that the retainer will in no way interfere with thecooperative sealing relationships between the coupling componentsthemselves. For example, the external diameter of the retainer is suchthat it will not interfere with the inside wall of coupling nut 14. Theinside diameter of retainer annular end wall 100 and the thickness ofend wall 100 are such that they will not interfere with sealing bead 56and radial end face 52 at coupling makeup. The inside diameter ofretainer side wall 102 fairly closely embraces the outside periphery ofthe gasket and legs 104 have an axial extent which will not interferewith flange 38. Finally, U-shaped engaging means 106 engage area 40 withline contact over short accurate spans and cumulatively define anengaging band or zone which assures good frictional engagement with area40.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention wherein theretaining means are formed as an integral part of the gasket. In theFIGS. 5-7 embodiment, parts or components which are the same as thosepreviously described with reference to the FIGS. 1-4 embodiment areidentified by like reference numerals but differentiated by the additionof a primed (') suffix. The description of such an element as set forthwith respect to the FIGS. 1-4 embodiment is to be taken as equallyapplicable to the FIGS. 5-7 embodiment unless otherwise noted.

The FIGS. 5-7 embodiment uses a gasket and retaining means assembly 120which includes a gasket body 122 having retaining means in the form oflegs 124 integrally formed therewith. Gasket body 122 has a generallyannular configuration with an inner opening 126 and an outer peripheral,circular edge 128 (FIG. 6). The opposite surfaces 130, 132 of body 122define seal faces for engagement with sealing beads 36', 56',respectively.

Legs 124 are formed integrally with body 122 about the outer peripherythereof. In the preferred arrangement, three such legs are spacedcircumferentially about the body at 120° apart; however, as is apparent,the number and spacing of the legs could vary. As discussed withreference to the FIGS. 1-4 embodiment, each of the retaining legs isformed to include engaging means or areas 134 closely adjacent the outerterminal end. The engaging means are somewhat U-shaped with the base ofthe U facing radially inwardly as shown. Preferably, as best seen inFIG. 6, the areas 134 are arcuately formed so that when installed, theyachieve line contact with surface 40'.

The legs are, as mentioned, formed integrally with gasket body 120 andextend generally perpendicular to the seal surfaces 130,132. Inaddition, the radial distance to surface areas 134 from the axis ofopening 126 is preferably slightly less than the radius of surface 40'.The radius from the axis of opening 126 to the inner surface 136 of legs124 is preferably slightly greater than the radius of surface 40'. Thus,when the assembly 120 is in the installed position shown in FIG. 7, thelegs 124 are deflected radially outward a slight amount generating aradially inward directed gripping force between areas 134 and surface40'.

It is important to note that the total length of legs 124 from surface132 is less than the axial distance from the outermost end or apex ofbead 36' to flange 38'. Thus, when the coupling is fully made-up, andfull engagement is achieved between the beads 36', 56' and gasket sealsurfaces 132, 130, respectively, the ends of the legs 124 do not engageflange 38'.

The gasket and retaining means assembly 120 may comprise a stamping orthe like formed of a suitable metal. Additionally, it should beunderstood that the gasket faces can be given additional treatment suchas plating to improve the sealing characteristics under certainconditions.

In using the gasket and retaining means assembly of the FIGS. 5-7embodiment, results substantially equal to those obtaned with the FIGS.1-4 embodiment are achieved. Specifically, when disassembled andreassembled the retaining legs assure that the gasket body is coaxiallyrealigned with the sealing beads to thereby prevent potential leaks dueto misalignment.

FIGS. 8-10 illustrate a third embodiment of the invention which uses amodified form of retaining means which is separate from the gasket. Inthe FIGS. 8-10 embodiment, parts or components which are the same asthose previously described with reference to the FIGS. 1-4 embodimentare identified by like reference numerals but differentiated by theaddition of a double prime (") suffix. The description of such anelement as set forth with respect to the FIGS. 1-4 embodiment is to betaken as equally applicable to the FIGS. 8-10 embodiment unlessotherwise noted.

In the FIGS. 8-10 embodiment a separate retaining element 140 functionsto hold gaset 16" in position on sealing bead 36". Element 140 can bestbe understood by reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. In particular, element 140includes a generally annular end wall 142 which is integral with acylindrical side wall 144. Inside diameter 146 of end wall 142 is, ofcourse, slightly larger than the outside diameter of sealing bead 56" toavoid interference between the end wall 142 and the bead 56".

With respect to side wall 144 it should be understood that its normalinside diameter 148 in an unassembled condition is preferably slightlysmaller than the outside diameter of engaging area 40". In addition, inthis embodiment the outside diameter of the gasket 16" is also veryslightly smaller than the diameter of engaging area 40".

As best seen in FIG. 10, the length of side wall 144 is less tha theassembled distance from the outer face of gasket 16" to the flange 38".However, the length must be great enough to provide significant contactand engagement with area 40".

In order to allow retainer 140 to engage and hold gasket 16" and to bereceived on engaging area 40" it is provided a small segment 150 iscut-out as best shown in FIG. 8. This allows the retainer to beresiliently expanded to receive the gaset 16", and to be placed inassembled position on engaging area 40". The dimensional relationshipsare such, however, as to assure that the retainer positively grips area40" to hold the components in assembled relationship.

The ability of retainer 140 to undergo resilient radial expansion can beincreased, if desired or necessary, by cutting away a portion 152 ofside wall 144 in an area diametrically located relative to the cut-outsegment 150.

It should be appreciated that the side wall 144 could be provided withdeformed contact areas similar to areas 134 of legs 124 of the FIGS. 5-7embodiment. Further, the arrangement of the cut-out portions 150 and 152could be modified from that shown.

The invention has been described with reference to preferredembodiments. Obviously, modifications and alterations will occur toothers upon the reading and understanding of this specification. It isintended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar asthey come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalentsthereof.

Having thus described the invention, it is now claimed:
 1. In a fluidcoupling of the type having first and second generally cylindricalcoupling components including fluid passageways extending longitudinallythereof, said components having opposed radial end faces includinggenerally annular sealing beads extending axially therefrom toward eachother for engagement with a sealing gasket interposed therebetween, saidcoupling further including means for moving said components into aclose-spaced substantially coaxial relationship such that said sealingbeads will sealingly engage opposite face areas of the gasket, theimprovement comprising:a generally annular gasket body having oppositelydisposed seal faces and retainer means for maintaining said gasket in apredetermined located position relative to the end face of one of saidcomponents in a substantially coaxial relationship therewith, saidretainer means including an annular end wall having an outer diameterslightly larger than said gasket body and a central opening with aperiphery lying outside the maximum diameter of said beads but inwardlyof the outer diameter of said gasket body, said retainer furtherincluding a generally cylindrical side wall integral with said end walland encircling said gasket body and extending outwardly thereof in adirection generally normal to said seal faces in a retainingrelationship with said one component at an area thereof spaced axiallyrearward from the associated radial end face such that said gasket isheld generally with its said seal faces parallel to the sealing bead atsaid one component end face said gasket body having an inside diameterless than the inside diameter of the annular sealing bead on the endface of the other of said components, whereby said gasket is positivelylocated and held in a generally coaxial relationship with saidcomponents when they are moved toward said closely-spaced relationshipby said moving means, said sealing beads each engaging substantially thesame portion of the associated gasket face area during subsequentdisassembly and reassembly of the coupling; and, wherein said movingmeans comprises an open-ended first coupling member threaded from oneend thereof toward the other for threaded engagement with said othercomponent and wherein said first coupling member other end includes aradially inward extending shoulder which drivingly engages a radiallyoutward flange on said one component axially spaced from the radial endface thereof, said one component including an area between said flangeand said radial end face for receiving said generally cylindrical sidewall axially thereonto for securing on said one component with saidgasket body disposed in a desired position, said area between saidflange and said radial end face having a diameter greater than themaximum radial extent of said sealing beads.
 2. The improvement asdefined in claim 1 wherein said gasket body has an outer diameter whichis at least slightly less than the outer diameter of said end face ofsaid one component.
 3. The improvement as defined in claim 1 whereinsaid generally cylindrical side wall includes means for permitting saidside wall to resiliently deflect for frictionally engaging said onecomponent in said area between said flange and said radial end face. 4.The improvement as defined in claim 1 wherein said side wall isdiscontinuous about said end wall.
 5. The improvement as defined inclaim 4 wherein said end wall and said side wall have a segment cuttherefrom to permit said retainer means to resiliently deflect in aradial direction.
 6. In a fluid coupling of the type having first andsecond generally cylindrical coupling components including fluidpassageways extending longitudinally thereof, said components havingopposed radial end faces including generally annular sealing beadsextending axially therefrom toward each other for engagement with asealing gasket interposed therebetween, said coupling further includingmeans for moving said components into a close-spaced substantiallycoaxial relationship such that said sealing beads will sealingly engageopposite face areas of the gasket, the improvement comprising:agenerally annular gasket body having oppositely disposed seal faces andretainer means for maintaining said gasket in a predetermined locatedposition relative to the end face of one of said components in asubstantially coaxial relationship therewith, said retainer meansincluding an annular end wall having an outer diameter slightly largerthan said gasket body and a central opening with a periphery lyingoutside the maximum diameter of said beads but inwardly of the outerdiameter of said gasket body, said retainer further including a sidewall integral with said end wall and encircling said gasket body andextending outwardly thereof in a direction generally normal to said sealfaces in a retaining relationship with said one component at an areathereof spaced axially rearward from the associated radial end face suchthat said gasket is held generally with its said seal faces parallel tothe sealing bead at said one component end face, said gasket body havingan inside diameter less than the inside diameter of the annular sealingbead on the end face of the other of said components, whereby saidgasket is positively located and heldin a generally coaxial relationshipwith said components when they are moved toward said closely-spacedrelationship by said moving means, said sealing beads each engagingsubstantially the same portion of the associated gasket face area duringsubsequent disassembly and reassembly of the coupling; and, wherein saidmoving means comprises an open-ended first coupling member threaded fromone end thereof toward the other for threaded engagement with said othercomponent and wherein said first coupling member other end includes aradially inward extending shoulder which drivingly engages a radiallyoutward flange on said one component axially spaced from the radial endface thereof, said one component including an area between said flangeand said radial end face for receiving said side wall axially thereontofor securing on said one component with said gasket body disposed in adesired position, said area between said flange and said radial end facehaving a diameter greater than the maximum radial extent of said sealingbeads.